I bought the property this year, why is the former owner still appearing on the tax bill?

Property taxes are billed with the information as of January 1st preceding the beginning of the current Fiscal Year. If you purchased the property any time after January 1st, you may not appear on the tax bill as the assessed owner until the next fiscal year. This rule is mandated by Massachusetts Law. However, if the Assessors office is notified that there is a new owner,  the next bill can be sent as “ Care Of”.